BRUSSELS. – The European Commission intends to further develop relations with Armenia in the framework of the Eastern Partnership program and to establish a deep and comprehensive free trade zone, the European Commission President José Manuel Barroso announced at a joint briefing with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Brussels.

As Barroso mentioned, Armenia – EU relations are not only based on economy, but also on universal, fundamental values of democracy and the rule of law, the correspondent of Armenian News-NEWS.am informs from Brussels.

“Armenia listened to our recommendations and President Sargsyan has his contribution in it. The beginning of these negotiations is a turning point in developing trade and economic relations between Armenia and the EU,” the president of European Commission mentioned.

José Manuel Barroso touched upon the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled for May 6, 2012. As he stated, he was assured that the elections will be held according to international democracy standards.